Airway Diseases
Asthma / COPD / Chronic Airway Diseases
Asthma and COPD are long-term conditions that narrow and inflame the airways, making it harder to breathe. With the right treatment, most people can live active, comfortable lives. Dr. Harshil Shah will work with you to find a plan that controls your symptoms and keeps flare-ups to a minimum.
Symptoms to Watch
- Shortness of breath, especially during activity
- Frequent coughing, often worse at night or early morning
- Wheezing — a whistling sound when you breathe
- Chest tightness or pressure
- Coughing up mucus or phlegm
- Breathlessness that worsens during colds or in cold air
- Reduced ability to exercise or climb stairs
How We Diagnose
- 1Spirometry — a simple breathing test that measures lung capacity and airflow
- 2Peak flow measurement to track day-to-day variation in breathing
- 3Allergy skin tests or blood tests to identify triggers
- 4Chest X-ray or CT scan if needed to rule out other causes
- 5Pulse oximetry to check oxygen levels in the blood
Your Treatment Plan
- Inhaled bronchodilators to open the airways quickly during symptoms
- Inhaled corticosteroids to reduce airway inflammation long term
- Long-acting controller medications for sustained, day-to-day relief
- A personalised action plan so you know exactly what to do during a flare-up
- Smoking cessation support and pulmonary rehabilitation exercises
- Allergy management and avoidance advice if triggers are identified
When to See a Doctor
Book an appointment if you are frequently breathless, waking at night with cough or wheeze, or using a reliever inhaler more than twice a week.